VCM21010 - EIS: general: procedure: requests for advance assurance: general

Companies that are hoping to attract subscriptions under the EIS are encouraged to seek an assurance from HMRC, in advance of inviting applications for shares, to the effect that it is accepted that the conditions of the scheme will be satisfied. As regards the exact nature of the assurance that is available, see VCM21040.

Requests can be dealt with only if they come from the company's secretary or directors or from some person authorised by them to negotiate with HMRC on their behalf. The rules of confidentiality apply, and potential investors making enquiries about a company should address those enquiries to the company itself.

It is not necessary for the request to identify the intending subscribers, and no assurance as to the availability of relief to a particular subscriber can be given either to the company or to the subscriber in question.

Forms EIS1 are available to any company on request from the Small Company Enterprise Centre (see VCM10050) or can be printed off the HMRC website.